Joyce Viola Jackson, age 97, of Markesan, passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Markesan Resident Home, where she had resided since August 2025.
Joyce was born on December 20, 1928, in Brantwood, Wisconsin, daughter of Alfred and Jennie Hill. Joyce’s educational journey began at Belvidere High School, in Illinois, where she graduated in 1946. Her passion for learning continued as she pursued higher education, ultimately earning her degrees from Portland State University in Oregon and Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Completing her master’s degree in education was a proud achievement that reflected both her commitment to personal growth and her dedication to teaching.
With a career spanning 13 years, Joyce began her teaching journey when her children started school, blending her roles as both a mother and an educator. She was actively involved in the Tri Kappa Sorority while fulfilling her teaching responsibilities, showcasing her ability to balance work and community involvement.
Joyce lived in Junction City, Kansas from 1973 until 2009, with her husband Reese. During her time in Junction City, she actively taught school and became the custodial caregiver to her three grandchildren, Shelby, Shelly, and Kathy, after the passing of her daughter Shela in 1981.
Joyce’s passions extended beyond the classroom. As a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Markesan, she found strength in her faith. She was an avid reader, cherished playing cards with family and friends, and enjoyed bowling for 30 years. She was a lifetime member of the Abendroth-Connolly American Legion Auxiliary Unit 282 of Markesan. The greatest joys in Joyce's life were through the special times spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished the moments they shared, and her legacy of love and guidance will forever remain in their hearts.
Joyce loved to travel, taking numerous bus trips. She took pride in having traveled to all 50 states, creating cherished memories along the way. During her adventures, she developed a fondness for collecting souvenir plates, spoons, casino cards, magnets, keychains, and postcards, along with her growing love for lighthouses—she accumulated quite the collection over the years, each piece representing a treasured memory.
Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Sally (Ted) Robl and Linda Gaither; eleven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and many great-great grandchildren; and two sisters, Clarice (Dale) Kieselburg and Carol Dupes. Special family members include Einar and Carrie Kvandahl, and Ethan, Emma and Collin, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, William C. Bean, and previous husband, Reese E. Jackson. Joyce was also preceded by two daughters, Susan Bean and Shela Sweetser; a great-grandson, Corin Moore; and nine siblings.
A graveside service at Sacred Heart Cemetery 519 Old Knapp Road, Oshkosh, WI, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, with Pastor Jason Jobs officiating.